Wallowa County

Indicator Data

Key Organizations and Activities

In March 2011 a group of citizens of Wallowa County, including farmers, ranchers, local business people, and representatives of church, social service, and other non-profit organizations, met for an Oregon Food Bank supported “FEAST” event to discuss concerns and set goals for the local food system. This led to the formation of a Wallowa County Food System Council (WCFSC) committed to “growing an equitable, local food system that promotes economic development, community development, and sustainable agriculture.” Oregon Rural Action (ORA) subsequently commissioned a study to quantify the farm and food economy in Wallowa County, which was released in December 2011.

Encourage collaboration and information sharing among local/regional organizations working on community food system development projects.

Authors of this report believe that additional opportunities may include:

1) Continued development of branded beef programs (natural and grassfed), with support for business planning, market development, and facilitation of access to appropriate slaughter, processing, storage and distribution (likely value chain partnerships rather than new facilities).

2) Further implementation of season extension strategies (row covers, greenhouses, etc.) to expand production and availability of a more diverse range of products for local markets.

3) Exploration of micro-milling and micro-malting to serve specialty baking and brewing.